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Synopsis: No safe word can protect the heart. Infamous erotica author and accomplished dominatrix Nora Sutherlin is doing something utterly out of character: hiding. While her longtime lover, Søren—whose fetishes, if exposed, would be his ruin—is under scrutiny pending a major promotion, Nora's lying low and away from temptation in the lap of luxury.

Her host, the wealthy and uninhibited Griffin Fiske, is thrilled to have Nora stay at his country estate, especially once he meets her traveling companion. Young, inexperienced and angelically beautiful, Michael has become Nora's protégé, and this summer with Griffin is going to be his training, where the hazing never ends.

But while her flesh is willing, Nora's mind is wandering. To thoughts of Søren, her master, under investigation by a journalist with an ax to grind. And to another man from Nora's past, whose hold on her is less bruising, but whose secrets are no less painful. It's a summer that will prove the old adage: love hurts.

Review: Nora Sutherlin is a famous author and formerly the highest-paid dominatrix, yet she is also the submissive and lover of Søren, which is only known by a handful of people. Now Søren, aka Father Stearns (a Catholic priest), is being investigated by a journalist because his name is on a short list to be the next bishop and she’s looking to expose any wrong-doing. So Nora heads to the country home of Griffin Fiske, along with Michael, her protégé. Michael has been wounded by life and he is looking to find his place…at the feet of someone who will give him all he craves. Nora is still pining for Wesley, who she loves and made leave (see ‘The Siren’), but she is trying to come to terms with the loss this summer. Anyone we open our heart to has the power to hurt us and no one knows it better than Nora.

Ms. Reisz has a way of evoking truly deep emotions in her readers. I read ‘The Angel’ in one day – I did not want to put it down! Some may see ‘The Angel’ as erotica or pornography, but those views are shallow and do not do justice to the wonderfully rich world and characters the author has created. Everyone deserves to love and be loved in return for who they truly are. People shouldn’t have to hide their passion or be made ashamed of their desires in any consensual relationship. One of the reasons I adore Nora is because she knows who she is and isn’t afraid of it, but revels in it. ‘The Angel’ is a story of growth and change, beautifully evocative and touching.

The Original Sinners Series: The Siren (1), The Angel (2), The Prince (3)